INTERESTING FACTSThe Novotel Perrier Open de France was first played in 1906 and won by Arnaud Massy, who went on two become the first foreign-born winner of the Open Golf Championship in 1907. The last Frenchman to win his home Open was Jean Garaialde in 1969. The event is rich in history and is the second oldest National Open on The European Tour International Schedule, behind the Open Golf Championship. The tournament promises a close finish - since the formation of The European Tour International Schedule in 1972, the Novotel Perrier Open de France holds the record for most play-offs - six - a record shared with the Murphy's Irish Open, Atlanet Italian Open and the German Open.

The event has a history of great champions. Since 1973 no fewer than ten Volvo Order of Merit winners have triumphed in France. Peter Oosterhuis, Seve Ballesteros, Dale Hayes, Bernard Gallacher, Greg Norman, Sandy Lyle, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Retief Goosen and Colin Montgomerie.